Synthesis and crystal structure of [Ni{bis(2,5-dihydroxysalicylidene)ethylenediaminato}]: a hydrogen bonded assembly of Ni(II)–salen complex

The hydrogen bonded assembly of salen type complexes was studied. The nickel(II) complex with N,N′-bis(2,5-dihydroxysalicylidene)ethylenediaminato was synthesized, and structurally characterized. The compound has two hydroxy groups at the both terminals of the tetradentate ligand. One of the two hydroxy groups of the nickel(II) complex forms a hydrogen bond with a coordinating oxygen donor of the adjacent molecule to yield a hydrogen bonded one-dimensional chain. These chains are also associated by π–π interactions with interlocking fashion to produce a two-dimensional structure. The guest ethanol molecules are incorporated between the two-dimensional layers.